Laser catheter fibre configurations

Abstract

A laser catheter (110) includes an outer band (102), an inner lumen (101), a plurality of first fibres (210), and a plurality of second fibres (220). The inner lumen (101) is enclosed within the outer band (102). The plurality of first fibres (210) have a first diameter, are disposed between the outer band (102) and the inner lumen (101) and are configured to carry laser (150) light from a laser (150) source. The plurality of second fibres (220) have a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, are disposed between the outer band (102) and the inner lumen (101) and are configured to carry laser (150) light from the laser (150) source. The second diameter is selected to maximize occupancy within the outer band (102) by the plurality of first fibres (210) and the plurality of second fibres (220).

Description

LASER CATHETER FIBRE CONFIGURATIONSBACKGROUND

[0001] In current laser catheters, laser light from an external laser system may be transmitted through glass fibres embedded in a laser catheter inserted into a body. The glass fibres are of one size and are stuffed into the laser catheter. The number of glass fibres of the uniform size in the laser catheter is maximized to transmit as much of the energy from the laser system to the patient as possible. The laser catheter and each glass fibre each have a proximal end and a distal tip. An example use for laser catheters is atherectomy, which involves putting a laser catheter into a body part such as the leg for use in cutting plaque away in a minimally invasive procedure.

[0002] At the distal tip of the laser catheter, the glass fibres are positioned in an annulus shape where they must fit in a cross-sectional area between an inner diameter of a band and the outer diameter of an inner lumen. The more the combined cross sections of the glass fibres occupy in the cross-sectional area of a laser catheter, the more energy can be transmitted. It is desired to fill as much of the space between the glass fibres as possible in this cross-sectional area between the inner diameter of the band and the outer diameter of the inner lumen.

[0003] One of the primary limitations of fitting as many glass fibres as possible in a cross- sectional area is the theoretical maximum packing efficiency. Fibres can be represented as circles if simplified to looking at a two-dimensional representation. In a circle packing problem with circles of the same diameter, regardless of the size, the maximum theoretical packing efficiency is 90.6 percent, meaning that 9.4 percent of the cross-sectional area is unused. For example, filling a 2.0mm laser catheter distal tip that is an annular cross-sectional area with 60 micrometer fibres results in an actual theoretical max efficiency of 77 percent, and real-world assembly may be even less. In the same example, if 100 micrometer fibres are used, the efficiency drops to 71 percent. If smaller 22 micrometer fibres are used, the efficiency increases to 80 percent. If the glass fibres are not perfect circles, are not ideally sized (e.g., if the diameters are larger than ideal), and / or if the cross-sectional area of the glass fibres is not perfect, the efficiency will drop. This helps show that as the fibre size reduces even for perfectly circular glass fibres, the theoretical efficiency approaches the 90.6 percent theoretical maximum in the cross-sectional area of any laser catheter. While only reducing fibre size helps to reach the theoretical maximum,smaller fibres are more difficult to manufacture and manage.SUMMARY

[0004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a laser catheter includes an outer band, an inner lumen, a plurality of first fibres, and a plurality of second fibres. The inner lumen is enclosed within the outer band. The plurality of first fibres have a first diameter, are disposed between the outer band and the inner lumen and are configured to carry laser light from a laser source. The plurality of second fibres have a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, are disposed between the outer band and the inner lumen and are configured to carry laser light from the laser source. The second diameter is selected to maximize occupancy within the outer band by the plurality of first fibres and the plurality of second fibres.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laser system includes an outer band; a plurality of first fibres, and a plurality of second fibres. The plurality of first fibres have a first diameter disposed within an outer band and are configured to carry laser light from a laser source. The plurality of second fibres have a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, are disposed within the outer band, and are configured to carry laser light from the laser source.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The example embodiments are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. It is emphasized that the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion. Wherever applicable and practical, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0007] FIG. 1 A illustrates a system for laser catheter fibre configurations, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0008] FIG. IB illustrates a cross-sectional view of a laser catheter fibre, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates laser catheters for laser catheter fibre configurations, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates laser catheters for laser catheter fibre configurations, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a laser catheter fibre configuration, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for laser catheter fibre configurations, in accordance with a representative embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] In the following detailed description, for the purposes of explanation and not limitation, representative embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments according to the present teachings. However, other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure that depart from specific details disclosed herein remain within the scope of the appended claims. Descriptions of known systems, devices, materials, methods of operation and methods of manufacture may be omitted so as to avoid obscuring the description of the representative embodiments. Nonetheless, systems, devices, materials and methods that are within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the present teachings and may be used in accordance with the representative embodiments. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Definitions and explanations for terms herein are in addition to the technical and scientific meanings of the terms as commonly understood and accepted in the technical field of the present teachings.

[0014] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept.

[0015] As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms of terms ‘a,’ ‘an’ and ‘the’ are intended to include both singular and plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the terms "comprises", and / or "comprising," and / or similar terms when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0016] Unless otherwise noted, when an element or component is said to be “connected to,”“coupled to,” or “adjacent to” another element or component, it will be understood that the element or component can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or component, or intervening elements or components may be present. That is, these and similar terms encompass cases where one or more intermediate elements or components may be employed to connect two elements or components. However, when an element or component is said to be “directly connected” to another element or component, this encompasses only cases where the two elements or components are connected to each other without any intermediate or intervening elements or components.

[0017] The present disclosure, through one or more of its various aspects, embodiments and / or specific features or sub-components, is thus intended to bring out one or more of the advantages as specifically noted below.

[0018] As described herein, a mixture of different sized fibres can be used to achieve higher packing efficiency while utilizing as many large fibres as possible. Different-sized fibres are utilized in a laser catheter to maximize energy transmission. The teachings herein may be applied to existing and new laser catheters, such as those being developed for use in radial access atherectomy. Laser energy transmitted through a set area of a laser catheter controlled by the size of the laser catheter may be maximized.

[0019] FIG. 1 A illustrates a system for laser catheter fibre configurations, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0020] The system 100 in FIG. 1 A is a laser system for laser catheter fibre configurations and includes components that are provided together but which may be separable. The system 100 includes a cabinet 199, a laser 150, an interface 155 and a laser catheter 110.

[0021] The laser 150 is configured to produce a narrow beam of intense light. Laser light is monochromatic (of a single wavelength) and coherent.

[0022] The interface 155 interfaces the laser 150 with the laser catheter 110 or any one or more of the other laser catheters stored in the cabinet. The interface 155 may be configured to plug the laser catheter 110 into the laser 150 as a laser source. For example, the interface 155 may be detachably attached to the laser 150. The interface 155 may comprise multiple interfaces, such as a first male or female interface to interface with the laser 150 and a second male or female interface to interface with the laser catheter 110.

[0023] The cabinet 199 may be provided in a medical facility with the laser 150, such as in the same hospital, the same wing of a hospital, or the same room in a hospital. The cabinet 199 stores alternative laser catheters including a first laser catheter 111, a second laser catheter 112, a third laser catheter 113, a fourth laser catheter 114, a fifth laser catheter 115, a sixth laser catheter 116, and a seventh laser catheter 117. The alternative laser catheters may be used to replace the laser catheter 110 depending on a type of use for the system 100, a type of patient for the system 100, a type of the laser 150, a type of the interface 155, and / or on another basis. The cabinet 199 may include shelves, boxes, or other types of storage usable to store one or more instances of each type of laser catheter used in the system 100. Each type of laser catheter may also be provided with a label or other marking to show the type of laser catheter and to distinguish each type of laser catheter from other laser catheters.

[0024] FIG. IB illustrates a cross-sectional view of a laser catheter fibre, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0025] The laser catheter 110 in FIG. IB is provided without laser fibres to show other features that may be provided for laser catheters herein. The laser catheter 110 includes an inner lumen 101, an outer band 102, a guidewire 103, and a set of pins 104. The guidewire 103 may be partially enclosed within the inner lumen 101 and may be used to guide the laser catheter 110 in use. The set of pins 104 may vary for different laser catheters, so that in FIG. IB the set of pins 104 may be used to identify the laser catheter 110 to the interface 155. The outer band 102 may comprise metal, and the inner lumen 101 may comprise PTFE.

[0026] The set of pins 104 does not have to be strictly as shown in FIG. IB. Nor does the set of pins have to be 5 pins shown as the dots in FIG. IB. Rather, the set of pins 104 may include more or less than 5 pins, may be provided in different configurations than shown, and may be used to uniquely identify the type of the laser catheter 110 or even the specific instance of the laser catheter 110.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates laser catheters for laser catheter fibre configurations, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0028] In FIG. 2, a first laser catheter 200A is shown on the left and a second laser catheter 200B is shown on the right. Each of the first laser catheter 200A and the second laser catheter 200B includes the inner lumen 201 and outer band 202, along with epoxy 205. The inner lumen 201 is enclosed within the outer band 202.

[0029] A guidewire may be partially enclosed within the first laser catheter 200A and / or the second laser catheter 200B by the inner lumen 201. Additionally, different sets of pins may be provided in the first laser catheter 200A and the second laser catheter 200B to identify each laser catheter to the laser 150 as a laser source. The laser 150 may variably operate based on the interface 155 identifying which laser catheter is being used from the set of pins provided in each laser catheter.

[0030] The first laser catheter 200 A includes only a plurality of first fibres 210 all of a single first uniform size. The plurality of first fibres 210 have a 150 micrometer diameter which is a first diameter. The plurality of first fibres 210 with the first diameter are disposed between the outer band 202 and the inner lumen 201 and are configured to carry laser light from a laser source such as the laser 150 in FIG. 1A.

[0031] The second laser catheter 200B has the plurality of first fibres 210 along with a plurality of second fibres 220 of a single second uniform size. The plurality of second fibres 220 have a 60 micrometer diameter which is a second diameter. The plurality of second fibres 220 with the second diameter are also disposed between the outer band 202 and the inner lumen 201 and are also configured to carry laser light from the same laser source as the plurality of first fibres 210. The single second uniform size is smaller than the single first uniform size insofar as the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. In the context of the teachings herein, the plurality of first fibres 210 are the largest fibre and the second fibre 220 are the medium size fibre. The second diameter for the plurality of second fibres 220 is selected to maximize occupancy within the outer band 202 by the plurality of first fibres 210 and the plurality of second fibres 220.

[0032] In FIG. 2, empty space between the inner lumen 201 and the outer band 202 may be occupied by the epoxy 205 disposed between the outer band 202 and the inner lumen 201. The plurality of first fibres 210 and the plurality of second fibres 220 may be disposed in the epoxy.

[0033] As shown, the cross section of the plurality of first fibres 210 in the first laser catheter 200A only occupies 74 percent of the total cross section of the first laser catheter 200A. The cross section of the plurality of first fibres 210 and the plurality of second fibres 220 in the second laser catheter 200B occupies 82 percent of the second laser catheter 200B. Of course, different combinations and occupancies may be present in the second laser catheter 200B. Additionally, as explained below, the number of sizes (e.g., diameters or circumferences) for the fibres in the second laser catheter 200B may be other than as shown.

[0034] In FIG. 2, for the second laser catheter 200B, a mixture of different-sized fibres can be used to achieve higher packing efficiency while utilizing as many large fibres as possible. For example, if 150 micrometer fibres are to be used in a large new laser catheter design, there will be a 74 percent efficiency as shown for the first laser catheter 200A. If 60 micrometer fibres are added to the design to fill some voids, the efficiency increases to 82 percent as shown for the second laser catheter 200B.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates laser catheters for laser catheter fibre configurations, in accordance with a representative embodiment. Each of the first laser catheter 300 A and the second laser catheter 300B includes the inner lumen 301 and outer band 302, along with epoxy 305. The inner lumen 301 is enclosed within the outer band 302. A guidewire may be partially enclosed within the first laser catheter 300A and / or the second laser catheter 300B by the inner lumen 301.

[0036] However, the first laser catheter 300 A includes a plurality of first fibres 310 all of a single first uniform size, and a plurality of third fibres 330 all of a third uniform size. The plurality of first fibres 310 have a 150 micrometer diameter which is the first diameter. The plurality of third fibres 330 have a 22 micrometer diameter. The third diameter may be selected to maximize occupancy within the outer band 302 by the plurality of first fibres 310 and the plurality of third fibres 330 for the first laser catheter 300 A. The plurality of third fibres 330 are disposed between the outer band 302 and the inner lumen 301 and are configured to carry laser light from a laser source such as the laser 150.

[0037] The second laser catheter 300B has the plurality of first fibres 310 of the single first uniform size, the plurality of second fibres of the single second uniform size, and the plurality of third fibres 330 of the single third uniform size. The single third uniform size is smaller than the single first uniform size and is smaller than the single second uniform size. In the context of the teachings herein, the plurality of first fibres 310 are the largest size fibre, the plurality of second fibres 320 are the medium size fibre, and the plurality of third fibres 330 are the smallest size fibre. The third diameter may be selected to maximize occupancy within the outer band 302 by the plurality of first fibres 310, the plurality of second fibres 320 and the plurality of third fibres 330 for the second laser catheter 300B. In embodiments based on the second laser catheter 300B, the second diameter and the third diameter may be selected to minimize a count of the plurality of first fibres 310, the plurality of second fibres 320, and the plurality of third fibres 330. That is, the number of fibres included in the first laser catheter 300 A and / or in the second laser catheter300B may be minimized. The first diameter, the second diameter, and the third diameter may be selected to minimize voids between the outer band 302 and the inner lumen 301.

[0038] As a reminder from FIG. 2, the cross section of the plurality of first fibres 310 only occupies 74 percent of the total cross section of the first laser catheter 300 A. The cross section of the plurality of first fibres 310 and the plurality of third fibres 330 occupies 89.7 percent of the first laser catheter 300A. If fibre size needs to be maximized but high efficiency is still required, then a plurality of first fibres of 150 micrometers, a plurality of second fibres of 60 micrometers, and a plurality of third fibres of 22 micrometers can be used together to create an efficiency of 89.1 percent for the second laser catheter 300B with maximal fibre size and a minimized count (number) of fibres.

[0039] The number of sizes (e.g., diameters or circumferences) for the fibres in the first laser catheter 300 A and the second laser catheter 300B may be other than as shown.

[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a laser catheter fibre configuration, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0041] As smaller and smaller fibres are added to a laser catheter the theoretical packing efficiency approaches but never achieves a perfect state of 100 percent. The limiting factor to the maximum efficiency when using the multi-size fibre approach described herein is limited by the manufacturing capability of the fibres and the laser catheter. FIG. 4 shows an ideal packing configuration for laser catheter fibre, with three instances of a first fibre 410 of a first size and one instance of a second fibre 420 of a second size. As shown, the second fibre 420 is tightly fit into a position where it contacts all three of the instances of the first fibre 410. In an example with more than three instances of the first fibre 410, more than one instance of the second fibre 420 of the second size will be present.

[0042] In FIG. 4, the diameter of the smaller fibre size may be optimized to be smaller than or equal to 15.47 percent of the diameter of the larger fibre as the smaller fibre could fit between the space between three perfectly packed circles. The optimization of any one or more fibre size may be performed when a laser catheter is manufactured or assembled. Medical personnel at a facility where the system 100 is used may be enabled to select from a range of laser catheters that vary based on the sizes and numbers of fibres included in the laser catheters.

[0043] As set forth above with respect to FIG. 1 A, FIG. IB, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, multi size glass fibres may be provided in a medical laser catheter. To build the various laser cathetersdescribed herein, various-sized fibres may be pulled from a fibre tower, or different-sized fibres may be procured from a source. The various fibres may then be cut to length and stuffed within a laser catheter. According to typical production processes, the fibres may then be secured within the laser catheter. This process may be incorporated into existing laser catheter production processes. The resultant fibre optic laser catheters may be used in existing or novel medical procedures, including but not limited to atherectomy or lead extraction procedures. The teachings herein may also be used outside of laser catheters, such as in almost any industry that transmits laser light through fibre optic transmission mechanisms, including, for example, communications. Th teachings herein may also be used in devices that do not directly go into the body but are used to transmit light energy for medical purposes. The cross-sectional area of the smaller fibre sizes should preferably be no larger than 50 percent of the cross-sectional area of the larger fibre sizes.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for laser catheter fibre configurations, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0045] The method of FIG. 5 begins at S510 with optimizing diameter sizes. For example, a computer system may be used to optimize diameter sizes for first fibres and second fibres, or for first fibres, second fibres and third fibres. The diameter sizes may be optimized based on the diameter of an inner lumen and the diameter of an outer band in a laser catheter to be used. Optimization may involve first setting the diameter size of the largest fibres to be used, and then selecting the diameter size of the smallest fibres to be used and any medium fibres to be used. The diameter size of the largest fibres to be used may be selected based on the size (diameter(s) and / or cross-sectional area of the laser catheter to be used.

[0046] At S521, first fibres with a first diameter are manufactured. Fibres may be manufactured out of silica glass and doped with small amounts of another element. Differences between different fibres may result from variations in doping, for example.

[0047] At S523, second fibres with a second diameter are manufactured.

[0048] At S525, third fibres with a third diameter are manufactured.

[0049] At S527, a first laser catheter is assembled with an outer band, an inner lumen, epoxy, the first fibres, the second fibres and / or the third fibres, and an interface.

[0050] At S529, fourth fibres with a fourth diameter are manufactured.

[0051] At S531, fifth fibres with a fifth diameter are manufactured.

[0052] At S533, sixth fibres with a sixth diameter are manufactured.

[0053] At S535, a second laser catheter is assembled with an outer band, an inner lumen, epoxy, the fourth fibres, the fifth fibres and / or the sixth fibres, and an interface.

[0054] In the method of FIG. 5, different laser catheters may be assembled with different sizes of fibres. The different laser catheters may be provided to a medical facility and stored in the cabinet 199 in FIG. 1A, and then selectively used with the laser 150 depending on the type of procedure and / or the type of patient. Each laser catheter may be manufactured with a different set of pins that can be recognized by the interface 155 so as to confirm the appropriateness for the type of procedure and / or the type of patient.

[0055] Patients may be treated with laser catheters selected based on the type of operation and / or the type of patient. This may improve treatments in which efficiency of transmission may be important. Even when the overall size of different laser catheters is the same, the size and number of glass fibres may vary so as to be efficient for the purposes the laser catheters are being used for. This may result in faster ablation in medical contexts such as for removing clots or lesions. The teachings herein can also help ensure that the overall size of laser catheters used in intravascular surgeries is minimized by efficiently using the space therein, as this is a general goal for intravascular interventions.

[0056] The teachings herein can be applied to any catheter or device that uses fibre optics to transmit light / laser energy for a medical procedure. This includes coronary laser atherectomy catheters.

[0057] Accordingly, laser catheter fibre configurations enables a mixture of different sized fibres to be used to achieve higher packing efficiency while utilizing as many large fibres as possible. Different-sized fibres are utilized in a laser catheter to maximize energy transmission. The teachings herein may be applied to existing and new laser catheters, such as those being developed for use in radial access atherectomy. Laser energy transmitted through a set area of a laser catheter controlled by the size of the laser catheter may be maximized.

[0058] Although laser catheter fibre configurations has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of laser catheter fibre configurations in its aspects. Although laser catheter fibreconfigurations has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, laser catheter fibre configurations is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather laser catheter fibre configurations extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0059] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the disclosure described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0060] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and / or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

[0061] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into theDetailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

[0062] The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the concepts described in the present disclosure. As such, the above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A laser catheter (110), comprising: an outer band (102); an inner lumen (101) enclosed within the outer band (102); a plurality of first fibres (210) with a first diameter disposed between the outer band (102) and the inner lumen (101) and configured to carry laser (150) light from a laser (150) source; and a plurality of second fibres (220) with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, disposed between the outer band (102) and the inner lumen (101), and configured to carry laser (150) light from the laser (150) source, wherein the second diameter is selected to maximize occupancy within the outer band (102) by the plurality of first fibres (210) and the plurality of second fibres (220).

2. The laser catheter (110) of claim 1, further comprising: epoxy (205) disposed between the outer band (102) and the inner lumen (101), wherein the plurality of first fibres (210) and the plurality of second fibres (220) are disposed in the epoxy (205).

3. The laser catheter (110) of claim 2, further comprising: a guidewire (103) partially enclosed within the laser catheter (110) by the inner lumen (ioi).

4. The laser catheter (110) of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of third fibres (330) with a third diameter smaller than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter, disposed between the outer band (102) and the inner lumen (101), and configured to carry laser (150) light from the laser (150) source, wherein the third diameter is also selected to maximize occupancy within the outer band (102) by the plurality of first fibres (210), the plurality of second fibres (220), and the plurality of third fibres (330), and wherein the second diameter and the third diameter are additionally selected to minimize a count of the first fibres (210), the second fibres (220) and the third fibres (330).

5. The laser catheter (110) of claim 4, wherein the first diameter, the second diameter, and the third diameter are selected to minimize voids between the outer band (102) and the inner lumen (101).

6. The laser catheter (110) of claim 1, further comprising: an interface (155) configured to plug the laser catheter (110) into the laser (150) source.

7. The laser catheter (110) of claim 6, further comprising: a set of pins (104) configured to identify the laser catheter (110) to the laser (150) source.

8. The laser catheter (110) of claim 1, wherein the second diameter is smaller than or equal to 15.47 percent of the first diameter.

9. A laser (150) system (100), comprising: an outer band (102); a plurality of first fibres (210) with a first diameter disposed within an outer band (102) and configured to carry laser (150) light from a laser (150) source; and a plurality of second fibres (220) with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, disposed within the outer band (102), and configured to carry laser (150) light from the laser (150) source.

10. The laser (150) system (100) of claim 9, further comprising: an inner lumen (101) enclosed within the outer band (102); epoxy (205) disposed between the outer band (102) and the inner lumen (101), wherein the plurality of first fibres (210) and the plurality of second fibres (220) are disposed in the epoxy (205); and a guidewire (103) partially enclosed within the laser (150) system (100) by the inner lumen (101).

11. The laser (150) system (100) of claim 9, further comprising: a plurality of third fibres (330) with a third diameter smaller than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter, disposed within the outer band (102), and configured to carry laser (150) light from the laser (150) source, wherein the third diameter is also selected to maximize occupancy within the outer band (102) by the plurality of first fibres (210), the plurality of second fibres (220), and the plurality of third fibres (330), and wherein the second diameter and the third diameter are additionally selected to minimize a count of the first fibres (210), the second fibres (220) and the third fibres (330).

12. The laser (150) system (100) of claim 11, wherein the first diameter, the second diameter, and the third diameter are selected to minimize voids within the outer band (102).

13. The laser (150) system (100) of claim 9, further comprising: an interface (155) configured to plug the laser (150) system (100) into the laser (150) source.

14. The laser (150) system (100) of claim 13, further comprising: a set of pins (104) configured to identify a laser catheter (110) to the laser (150) source.

15. The laser (150) system (100) of claim 9, wherein the second diameter is smaller than or equal to 15.47 percent of the first diameter.

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